Our Story
blind summit
Blind Summit Whisky is a single cask and small batch whisky company, releasing one-off bottlings from distilleries across Scotland. We release small, quality focussed, expression for drinking and sharing.
Taking a hands-on approach we taste, source, re-rack, bottle and deliver ourselves. This takes time as there are just two of us, but it’s a rewarding way to stay connected to the whiskies and the people in the industry we love.
THE PROCESS
We source small parcels of whisky which, if not saved, would often end up disappearing into blends. Once tasted and selected we decide on the needs of each whisky to reach a balanced, finished dram. This involves either re-racking into another cask to add more layers of flavour or further maturation. The cask selection draws on our collective whisky and wine knowledge to marry flavours and predict outcomes.
The labels are the result of local collaborations, working with talented friends and designers to create an original image for each release. Outturn One artwork is an original piece from artist Emma de la Pena, Outturn II from Liam Palermo. For each release, the initial image tells a story that is close to us, the artist then interprets that photo into their original artwork, with a different version appearing on each whisky expression.
Supporting local and small has always been a shared priority, which is why we strive to collaborate with people and businesses in our local Leith community.
We take a slow and steady approach and try to remain focussed on releasing one good bottling at a time.
MEET THE TEAM
We try to take a light-hearted approach to the process and a friendly, open outlook, as that’s what we value most in the whisky community. Underneath that, there is a combined 34 years of experience in various roles in the whisky industry.
Friends since 2007, we met working at Oddbins in Edinburgh and bonded over delicious whisky and Drum and Bass. Since then we’ve worked in the whisky trade across several countries in a variety of roles.
James heads up sourcing and maturing our whiskies. He’s spent several years at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, and a few more in the UAE representing some of the world's top whisky brands, then followed a move into cask sourcing, bottling and warehouse management. He now manages a cask maturation warehouse in Glenrothes. He has a brain for production and a well-worn palate for whisky tasting. He spends his spare time at rugby games, snowboarding or hanging out with his French Bulldog Vinny.
Jamie looks after things that happen after bottling. He has spent 18 years selling wine and whisky, mostly in Scotland. He now buys for an independent wine and spirit shop and enjoys working with many great bottlers, distilleries and wineries. He loves visiting distilleries, chipping in on wine vintages and has spent several years working in Melbourne with Fine Wine and Aussie spirits. A keen blind taster he spends his spare time cooking, bouldering or jumping in the sea.
If you made it this far, thanks for reading, and please get in touch should you have any questions or feedback.
Slainte,
Jamie & James